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Jul 17 2017

Abbott and Bigfoot to develop diabetes technologies in US

Abbott has signed an agreement to integrate its FreeStyle Libre glucose sensing technology with Bigfoot Biomedical’s insulin delivery solutions to develop and commercialise diabetes management systems in the US.

Under the agreement, Bigfoot will use the glucose sensing technology to develop personalised, user-friendly systems for optimised insulin delivery and better diabetes management.

The firm will additionally develop systems for auto-titration of its connected insulin injection devices and for automated delivery with its insulin infusion platform.

Bigfoot Biomedical president and CEO Jeffrey Brewer said: "Bigfoot is committed to solving the hard problems inherent in blending consumer technology, enterprise systems and Class III medical devices in an effort to design an easy-to-use system for people with diabetes.

"A no-calibration glucose sensor is the final piece of the puzzle needed to enable consumer-friendly and accessible integrated insulin delivery systems."

"A no-calibration glucose sensor is the final piece of the puzzle needed to enable consumer-friendly and accessible integrated insulin delivery systems."

Bigfoot is currently working on injection and infusion pump-based insulin delivery systems that employ Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, smartphone technology, and machine learning to automatically adjust insulin delivery or dosing for optimal glucose range.

Abbott Diabetes Care senior vice-president Jared Watkin said: "Together with Bigfoot, we are challenging conventional methods of diabetes management by bringing together our expertise in superior glucose monitoring technology with a best-in-class insulin delivery system that is designed with the patient in mind."

Initially launched in 2014 in Europe, the FreeStyle Libre system is currently available in more than 35 countries.

A clinical trial incorporating the glucose sensing technology is expected to be conducted next year by Bigfoot in the US.